If you’re searching for the perfect holiday cocktail, bourbon is the key to rich, warming flavors. These 15 Christmas bourbon cocktails bring festive ingredients like cinnamon, cranberry, and nutmeg into the mix, offering a delightful twist on classic drinks. Explore these recipes to impress your guests this holiday season.

Christmas Bourbon Punch

Christmas Bourbon Punch is a festive drink that brings warmth to any holiday gathering. It combines bourbon with seasonal flavors for a delicious holiday cocktail.

To prepare this punch, gather the following ingredients:

1 cup bourbon
1/2 cup Grand Marnier
1 cup unsweetened cranberry juice
1/2 cup apple cider
Apple slices and cranberries for garnish
Ice cubes
Lime wedge for additional garnish

Instructions:

In a large cocktail shaker, add bourbon, Grand Marnier, cranberry juice, and apple slices.
Fill the shaker with ice. Shake well.
Fill glasses with ice halfway. Pour the cocktail mixture until each glass is three-quarters full.
Top up each glass with apple cider.
Garnish with cranberries and a lime wedge.

This punch is suitable for casual gatherings and special occasions alike, offering a balance of sweet and tart flavors. The cranberry juice provides a vibrant color, while the citrus adds freshness. This cocktail embodies the spirit of the holidays.

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Maple Bourbon Smash

The Maple Bourbon Smash brings a festive twist to your Christmas cocktails. It blends the warmth of bourbon with sweet maple syrup and citrus notes. This drink is easy to make and perfect for your holiday gatherings.

Ingredients:

2 oz bourbon
1 oz maple syrup
1 oz freshly squeezed orange juice
0.5 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 dash aromatic bitters
Orange wheel for garnish
Ice

Instructions:

In a rocks glass, combine maple syrup, orange juice, lemon juice, and bitters.
Add an orange wheel and lightly muddle.
Add the bourbon. Stir well.
Fill the glass with ice. Stir again until cold.
Garnish with the orange wheel. Serve.

This Maple Bourbon Smash balances sweet and tangy flavors. It’s a simple yet elegant choice for any holiday occasion.

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Bourbon Eggnog

Experience the delightful blend of flavors in Bourbon Eggnog. This festive drink combines the rich taste of eggnog with the bold notes of bourbon, perfect for holiday gatherings.

Ingredients:

4 large egg yolks
1/3 cup sugar
2 cups milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup bourbon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Freshly grated nutmeg

Instructions:

Whisk egg yolks and sugar in a large bowl until smooth.
Stir in milk, cream, bourbon, and vanilla extract.
Pour into a serving pitcher or punch bowl.
Serve in cups or glasses.
Top each with a sprinkle of nutmeg.

Bourbon enhances eggnog with hints of caramel and spice. Choose a quality bourbon like Bulleit for its spice profile.

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Spiced Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail

The Spiced Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail is a festive drink that highlights the richness of bourbon paired with tart cranberries and warming spices. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings and adds a seasonal touch to any celebration.

Ingredients:

2 oz bourbon
3 oz spiced cranberry juice
3 oz ginger beer
Fresh cranberries for garnish
Rosemary sprigs for garnish
Freshly grated nutmeg

Instructions:

Combine bourbon and spiced cranberry juice in a cocktail shaker.
Fill shaker with ice and shake well until chilled.
Strain mixture into an ice-filled glass.
Top with ginger beer and stir briefly.
Garnish with cranberries and a rosemary sprig.
Grate nutmeg over the top for extra flavor.

This cocktail features an enticing blend of flavors. The bold bourbon balances with the tartness of cranberry. Spices like cinnamon and nutmeg add a cozy warmth. You can adjust the sweetness or spices to your taste.

It’s an excellent choice for a cozy night in or when entertaining guests. The vibrant color and aromatic garnish make it visually appealing as well.

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Gingerbread Bourbon Cocktail

A Gingerbread Bourbon Cocktail offers a delightful blend of holiday flavors. It’s perfect for festive gatherings.

Ingredients

2 oz bourbon
1 oz ginger liqueur
0.5 oz molasses
3 dashes of gingerbread bitters
Ice
For garnish: Ground clove sprinkled on top

Instructions

Prep your glass: If desired, rim with brown sugar mixed with a touch of cinnamon and ginger.
Mix the drink: In a cocktail shaker, combine bourbon, ginger liqueur, molasses, and bitters.
Chill: Add ice and shake until well-chilled.
Serve: Strain into a coupe or rocks glass.
Finish: Garnish with a light sprinkle of ground clove.

Experiment with your own gingerbread simple syrup if you prefer a sweeter drink. Adjust sweetness with ingredients like honey or maple syrup as desired. Make this cocktail a star at your next holiday event.

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Bourbon Hot Chocolate

Warm yourself with a classic winter treat—Bourbon Hot Chocolate. It’s rich, indulgent, and perfect for cozy nights.

Ingredients

2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup dark chocolate chips
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
2 tablespoons sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ cup bourbon
Whipped cream (optional)
Chocolate shavings (optional)

Instructions

Heat milk and cream in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally.
Add chocolate chips, cocoa powder, and sugar. Whisk until melted and smooth.
Remove from heat. Add vanilla extract and bourbon. Stir to combine.
Pour into mugs. Top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings if desired.

You’ll love how the bourbon adds warmth and depth. Adjust the sweetness with more sugar if needed.

Experiment with toppings like marshmallows or a sprinkle of cinnamon. This drink brings comfort and cheer during the holidays.

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Jingle Bell Smash

The Jingle Bell Smash is a popular bourbon cocktail that offers a festive twist to your holiday celebrations. Its cheerful blend makes it suitable for various social settings.

Ingredients

2 oz bourbon
1 oz cranberry juice
0.5 oz simple syrup
0.5 oz lemon juice

Instructions

Fill a shaker with ice.
Add bourbon, cranberry juice, simple syrup, and lemon juice.
Shake well until everything is mixed.
Strain into a cocktail glass.
Garnish with a sprig of rosemary or cranberry.

This cocktail sits well with mixers and provides a sweet yet refreshing taste. Prepare it for your next holiday gathering.

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Christmas Old Fashioned

The Christmas Old Fashioned is a festive twist on a classic cocktail. It combines the rich flavors of bourbon with holiday spices. This drink is perfect for warming up on a chilly evening.

Here’s what you need to make it:

2 oz bourbon
1/2 oz maple syrup
3 dashes bitters
Orange peel
1 cinnamon stick
Optional: Fresh rosemary and cranberries for garnish

Instructions:

In a medium pot, bring 1/4 cup water, 1/2 oz maple syrup, cinnamon, and cardamom to a boil.
Let the syrup cool.
In a glass, combine bourbon, three dashes of bitters, and the prepared syrup.
Stir well.
Strain the mixture into a serving glass with a large ice cube.
Garnish with orange peel, cinnamon stick, and optional rosemary and cranberries.

Enjoy a Christmas Old Fashioned this holiday season. The spices and citrus complement the bourbon’s warmth.

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Apple Cider Bourbon Fizz

Experience the festive flavors of an Apple Cider Bourbon Fizz. This cocktail combines the crispness of apple cider with the boldness of bourbon. It’s refreshing and perfect for the holiday season.

To create this delightful drink, you’ll need:

Bourbon: 2 oz
Apple Cider: 4 oz
Simple Syrup: 0.5 oz
Lemon Juice: 0.5 oz
Sparkling Water: 2 oz
Apple Slice: Garnish
Thyme Sprig: Garnish

Instructions:

Fill a shaker with ice.
Add bourbon, apple cider, simple syrup, and lemon juice.
Shake well until chilled.
Strain into a glass filled with ice.
Top with sparkling water.
Garnish with an apple slice and thyme.

Ensure each step is followed carefully to achieve a well-balanced cocktail. The blend of fizzy apple cider and smooth bourbon creates a harmonious taste. This simple mix makes it an excellent choice for gatherings.

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Pomegranate Bourbon Sour

Ingredients

2 oz bourbon
1 oz pomegranate juice
0.75 oz simple syrup
0.5 oz fresh lemon juice
Ice cubes
Pomegranate seeds (for garnish)
Lemon wheel (for garnish)

Instructions

Combine bourbon, pomegranate juice, simple syrup, and lemon juice in a cocktail shaker.
Fill the shaker with ice.
Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until well chilled.
Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
Garnish with pomegranate seeds and a lemon wheel.

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Bourbon Spiked Eggnog

Bourbon spiked eggnog is a festive holiday treat. Infuse your gatherings with warmth using this classic cocktail.

Ingredients

3 cups milk
1 cup heavy cream
4 egg yolks
½ cup sugar
1 cup bourbon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Freshly grated nutmeg for garnish

Instructions

Whisk Eggs and Sugar
In a large bowl, whisk the egg yolks with sugar until smooth and frothy.
Add Dairy and Bourbon
Slowly whisk in the milk, cream, and bourbon. Add vanilla extract.
Chill and Serve
Pour into a pitcher or punch bowl. Chill for at least 1 hour.
Garnish
Serve in mugs or glasses with a sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg.

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Winter Bourbon Sour

A Winter Bourbon Sour is a refreshing holiday drink. This blend of flavors complements the festive season.

Ingredients

2 oz bourbon
1 oz lemon juice
0.75 oz simple syrup
1 egg white (optional)
Dash of nutmeg
Ice

Instructions

Mix Ingredients: Place bourbon, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white in a shaker.
Dry Shake: Shake ingredients without ice to froth the egg white.
Ice Shake: Add ice and shake again until cold.
Strain and Serve: Strain into a chilled glass. Sprinkle with nutmeg.

Opt for fresh lemon juice for the best flavor. Egg white adds a creamy texture but is optional. Nutmeg is a classic winter spice that enhances the holiday feel.

Bourbon Milk Punch

Bourbon Milk Punch is a classic cocktail celebrated for its creamy texture and rich flavors. Popular in New Orleans, it’s often enjoyed at brunch or festive occasions.

For a perfect Bourbon Milk Punch, you will need:

2 oz bourbon
1 oz simple syrup
4 oz whole milk
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
Ice, for shaking
Freshly grated nutmeg, for garnish

To make it:

Add bourbon, simple syrup, whole milk, and vanilla extract to a shaker.
Fill the shaker with ice and shake until well-chilled.
Strain into a rocks glass.

Top it off with a sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg for aromatic appeal. This punch is a smooth, comforting choice during the holiday season.

Using bourbon instead of traditional brandy gives it a uniquely American twist. The smoothness of milk pairs well with the whiskey’s warm notes. Whether served over ice or straight up, it’s always delightful.

Enjoy Bourbon Milk Punch as a mellow change from heavier holiday cocktails. Its soft notes make it approachable for new bourbon drinkers.

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Cranberry Bourbon Mule

The Cranberry Bourbon Mule is a delightful twist on the classic Moscow Mule. It incorporates seasonal flavors, making it perfect for your holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

2 oz bourbon
2 oz cranberry juice
1 oz fresh lime juice
4 oz ginger beer
Fresh cranberries and lime slices for garnish

Instructions

Fill a copper mug (or glass) with ice.
Pour the bourbon, cranberry juice, and lime juice over the ice.
Top with ginger beer.
Stir gently to combine.
Garnish with fresh cranberries and a lime slice.

This cocktail is both refreshing and festive. The combination of bourbon with cranberry and ginger beer creates a balanced drink. Adjust the sweetness of the drink with more ginger beer or cranberry juice, according to your preference.

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White Christmas Bourbon Smash

Create a White Christmas Bourbon Smash for a festive and refreshing holiday treat. This delightful cocktail combines the warmth of bourbon with the freshness of seasonal ingredients. It’s a perfect addition to your holiday celebrations.

Ingredients

2 oz bourbon
1 oz white cranberry juice
0.5 oz fresh lime juice
0.5 oz simple syrup
Fresh mint leaves
Ice cubes
Cranberries and mint sprigs for garnish

Instructions

Muddle Mint

In a shaker, gently muddle a few mint leaves with simple syrup.

Mix Ingredients

Add bourbon, white cranberry juice, and lime juice. Fill with ice.

Shake and Serve

Shake well. Strain into a chilled glass over ice.

Garnish

Top with cranberries and mint sprigs. Serve immediately.